Learn How to Practice Box Breathing for Stress Relief

Box breathing is a deep breathing technique that involves inhaling, holding the breath, exhaling, and holding the breath again in equal counts. It is commonly used to manage stress and anxiety.
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Activity
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Can be practiced anywhere at any time
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Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Box Breathing FAQ


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What is box breathing?

This technique involves inhaling deeply for a count of four, holding your breath for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and then holding your breath for a count of four before repeating the process. Box Breathing has a few other names such as:

Can box breathing reduce stress?

Box breathing. These routines can also activate the “ relaxation response ” – the opposite of the “flight-or-flight” response we experience under stressful conditions (including exams). An even shorter form of breathwork to reduce stress in the moment is the physiological sigh – two inhales, followed by an exhale.

How do Navy SEALs breathe a box?

Box breathing is just one of the techniques used by Navy SEALs to stay calm. The name comes from the fact that you divide your breathing into four steps as if you were breathing along the four edges of a box. Inhale slowly through your nose while mentally counting to four. Concentrate on filling your lungs and abdomen with air.

Is box breathing a good stress management technique?

Box breathing doesn't carry the physical benefits of exercise or the long-term mental and resilience benefits of meditation, but it definitely has its place as a stress management technique. For one thing, it's very simple to learn and to practice.

Does box breathing improve health?

People who practice techniques like box breathing have improved health—lower blood pressure and less stress. Breathing techniques have even been shown to improve endurance during physical activity. The more you practice box breathing, the easier using the technique will be when stress arises.

How many breaths should you do a box breathing pattern?

Try to repeat this pattern for 30 breaths. 4-7-8 breathing: Like box breathing, four, seven, eight breathing focuses on inhaling, holding, and exhaling for a certain length of time. For this technique, inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of seven, and exhale for a count of eight.

Box Breathing References

If you want to know more about Box Breathing, consider exploring links below:

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